ACUTE METRITIS. 
265 
lymph and decaying animal tissue. On introducing the 
hand into the uterus the operator’s attention is specially 
drawn to two conditions, the excessive heat, and the expan¬ 
sion of the walls, leaving a vast cavity, which from its acridity 
causes much irritation. The inflammation rapidly spreads, in¬ 
volving the peritoneum, intestines and other organs. The 
blood becoming altered from absorption, swellings, ulcers 
and bed-sores rapidly follow. The bowels are inactive, ex¬ 
cept in the last stages, where enteritis becomes established, and 
foetid diarrhoea may occur. The belly becomes tympanitic, 
and there is paddling of the hind feet and staggering gait 
when moved. The visible mucous membranes are of a dark 
red or purple hue, and show petichial spots and purple 
streaks. Acute laminitis is also a frequent accompaniment. 
Comparatively few of the fatal cases that I have seen have 
died suddenly, but, on the contrary, have lingered along from 
seven to fifteen days, and then died unexpectedly when seem¬ 
ingly convalescing. 
I append the history of a few cases which are fair samples 
of my experience. On May 28th, 1891, I saw an eight year- 
old grade draft mare from which a dead foal had been taken 
two days previous, by inexperienced operators, and with 
considerable unnecessary irritation. The pulse was running 
about 80, and temperature 105°, respirations short and hur¬ 
ried. The discharges per vagina were so profuse and so 
foetid that one could scarcely stand it or remain long at a 
time in the stable. The mare stood up, bench legged , and 
when moved almost fell down, other symptoms in common 
with the disease. I began with a few good doses of 
f. ex. ergot, and small but frequently repeated doses of 
aconite. By this means I reduced the temperature and 
equalized the circulation somewhat, and caused a contraction 
of the walls of the uterus and an expulsion of the acid, foetid 
fluid. I also used frequent small doses of hyposulphite of 
sodii (and I would recommend a more extensive use of this 
agent in such cases to my brother practitioner, for to me 
it has proven itself of great value), and small draughts of 
whiskey. Large doses of stimulants, especially in the early 
